I just returned from Utah and in those 6 days my Moms overall condition decreased dramatically. She doesn't type on her ipad anymore instead she has been drawing letters with her toes on the ground. There has definitely been a decline in her breathing. She wears her breathing assistance devices more and her BiPAP machine is now at a pressure of 14. The respiratory therapist confirmed to my Dad that she is officially the fastest case he has ever seen.
We did get some really good news. The first hospice company made a mistake and we actually have around 70 days of hospice coverage! Grrrrrr! That makes a huge difference! She should have a speaking device shipping this week and we are waiting for that to come before calling hospice in. If we call hospice in before we get that device the insurance company wont pay for it. Since communication is our biggest challenge we are waiting for the device to come and then we will call hospice. We don't necessarily need hospice because we have the comfort pack medications already, but it will still give us peace of mind to have hospice on board.
The biggest change is in her strength. She has very little left and she seems listless now. She hardly seems to have the energy to nod her head yes or no to our questions. She is much more uncomfortable and she has a lot more anxiety; which is a normal side effect of her breathing limitations. We are using the comfort pack anxiety medication to treat it and today seems to be much better than yesterday.
Weak is the best description for her overall condition. Not just a physical weakness but a deep weariness seems to have fallen over her. She doesn't seem to have the same sparkle in her eye. Smiles that use to come frequently and easily, are now fewer in number and much harder to come by. The one thing that always brings a smile to her face are the letters and comments from all of you. One of those in particular brought a smile to her face today. One of my Moms readers has a secret....one that lasts around 9 months long!!! A big congrats from my Mama to those soon to be parents of a little sesame seed sized secret. Don't worry your secret is safe with her - even if she wanted to spill the beans she couldn't :)
Love times a thousand.
ReplyDeletexoxo
Caroline,
ReplyDeleteYou are loved by my family more than I know how to express. You are in our thoughts and prayers daily. Annika and Nissa remind each other to make certain you and your family are included!
All our love,
Vicci, Nissa & Annika
Lisa,
ReplyDeleteI remember coming to your house one summer for a few days. What a fun time we had! I still remember your mom and how she was so full of life and so kind to us. This is random, but I still remember her talking to us about how at night when she had hot flashes, she would come downstairs and lay on the cold tile. :) What a cute mom you have. May God bless you and your family during this difficult time.
with love,
Brande (Pace) Juber (Sarah's friend)
Lisa, you are doing a splendid job of recording this important journey. we have your mama silly caroline in our hearts, and think of her every single day. i love to look back at the photos you took, when she was first diagnosed. what pluck she has and what a special and marvelous woman she is! you and your mama, keep up the good work. thank you. her journey is inspirational. b
ReplyDeleteMy mom and I have been reading the blog since we found out about your mom's illness last month. Please tell her we send our love and prayers. We are thinking of all of you often and remember many good times so many years ago. We were glad to see them at Heather's wedding a few years ago. Your mom truly is an amazing woman with courage beyond belief...and all of you as well for traveling this journey with her with such devotion.
ReplyDeleteThe Woods (Ron, Peggy, Jenny & Jeff)
I'm trading back on old posts...snuggling with my little girl who was just that little sesame seed when this post was written. Caroline is definitely one of those mothers I completely look up top and want to be like. I sure do miss her.
ReplyDelete